There is one work trip I look forward to every year and that’s the one I am currently enjoying – Las Vegas. It’s work with a hefty side of fun! This year I planned ahead – way ahead! What to pack? What to wear? Where to eat? Entertainment? I’ve been making lists and putting together outfits for months. The minute I saw this dress, I knew it was coming to Vegas! And this dress. There is lots of love in this suitcase. Big ❤️.
New to the trip this year was the addition of a half-marathon at the onset. You may have seen my Instagram ramblings. Translation…walk able shoes were going to be a must!!! I needed to rest the feet the day before the race. I was also going to need to operate in recovery mode for a few days after the race. (Let’s be real … the legs are still in recovery mode). I added another complication this year by tacking a conference in New York on to the end of this trip. #packingnightmare
The solution? Lots of multitasking pieces, and lots of black. I also used Rent The Runway for wardrobe augmentation that didn’t require suitcase capacity. #suitcasesaver #sequindelivery
Key Pieces for Vegas
Here are a few of the key pieces I think you need for a trip to Vegas. I’ve linked to several options for each and when available put the exact item I took first. The pictures aren’t the best … most of them are blurry … Vegas may be a city full of lights but unless it is the middle of the day … the lighting for photos is horrible!! #SoSorry
Black Leather Jacket
A cool jacket is a must for the cooler desert evenings. Never underestimate the power of black leather! Mine has been with me for years … these can be an investments! Find one you love and you will wear it forever! Or opt for Faux leather to save on the budget. This white shirt is a piece I take with me frequently on trips. It can double as a swim suit cover up and comes in tons of colors. And it is currently on sale! #Bonus
Black Denim
Last year I brought four pairs of black denim with me … this year I whittled it to three. (The addition of the faux leather leggings made that possible.) The denim is great for the travel days. It is also completely work appropriate when paired with a blazer or ready to hit the town when paired with sequins or lace! The pair in this picture is the Old Navy Pair, the pair above is the Paige Edgemont.
Faux Leather Leggings
I purchased my pair during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and I’m so glad I did. They are on my top 5 list. They are unexpectedly so very comfortable. Planning a Vegas-style all you can eat buffet? Perfect. Need to up your edge? Done. (I wouldn’t wear these during the work hours though … even in Vegas.) The lace top is Rachel Zoe from Rent the Runway or find similar in Navy here. The clutch is from Sole Society and currently on sale. The shoes are old Stuart Weitzman flats.
Black Booties
Booties so comfortable you can walk for miles. These are the shoes I didn’t realize I needed and wasn’t really looking for but I may now never take off my feet. They have a mold able heel and top, reasonable heel height and the perfect amount of distressing to make them look and feel like they’ve been yours for years. They look equally good with dresses as they do denim.
Statement Shoes (Uber required)
It wouldn’t be a trip to Vegas if you didn’t wear at least one pair of head-turning heels. I brought my Choo dupes but there are so many wonderful options! #FindYou
Sequins
At some point you will need to shimmer or shine! It’s Vegas! Classy dinners or nightclubs both scream extra sparkle required to me. This gold top is from Rent the Runway and is by Nicole Miller but you can also purchase it in black here.
I packed so much into my tiny little Tumi … I had to stand on it to close it … but with the NYC added I was determined not to need to check my bag. #Success.
Now off to try my luck at the tables and hopefully win big enough to splurge on a pair of shoes that I will then have to figure out to get home (because the suitcase is definitely full).
Where to Eat in Vegas?
Heading to Vegas soon? Here are the restaurants at the top of my list.
Olives – Go for the oversized martinis and carpaccio. But go soon. Word is the restaurant is being replaced in January. While you are at the Bellagio check out the Conservatory for awe and SJP for shoes.
Joe’s Stone Crab – order the namesake and prepare to never want to eat any other type of crab ever again. #Ever When you are stuffed head into the forum shops to browse the Ted Baker and Stuart Weitzman stores.
Mizumi – Go when you are starving and you want insanely good snacks delivered within seconds. The rolls were amazing but don’t discredit the entrees. The Brussels sprouts could take my top spot and the Waygu short rib was meltinyourmouth insane. #Insane!
Mastro’s Ocean Club – if you thought the martinis at Olives were big … double that here… and then add a custom seafood tower for a little Vegas over-the-top extravagance. Afterwords window shop all the designer stores and try not to leave drool marks on the glass.
Hexx – This is a good brunch spot. Go for their decadent carrot pancakes. The Bloody Mary’s aren’t bad either.
Thai Spice – This off strip Thai makes my mouth water every time I think about it. This was going to be my pre-race meal but they are closed on Sunday.
Tacos and Beer – Another off strip restaurant that has an atmosphere as unpretentious as their name. But they deliver both beer and tacos. 16 beers on tap and just as many tacos to choose from. Don’t miss the Baja Fish one.